I drive a 1997 Pulsar sedan, 133,000 kms, automatic. I have $4k cash. I want a reliable, economical car, with air, electric front windows, central locking, good boot space, supportive drivers seat, full sized spare wheel and cupholders are a must.
I have seen a Honda Jazz, 190k, 2006 and a Suzuki Baleno wagon, 2000, 140,000kms. Both $4k. Both at dealers. My car would be $1500 as a trade, according to another dealer, on a similar price, mileage car.
Should I sell mine privately, buy the Honda, or the Baleno, or stick with my car?
I've put 50kms on mine in the last seven years, but now don't drive as many kms. Everything works on it, had $2k repairs
on it two years ago, regularly serviced, good body. I'm the apocryphal little old lady, hehe.
Advice on secondhand high-ish mileage small automatic vehicle.
Comments
keep what you have.
Thanks, Euphemistic, I was wondering if I should keep it. however, it is nineteen years old. The only thing I've noticed with it, is a couple of times lately, the temperature indicator has risen when the aircon was on. So now I don't use the air conditioning. However, there has been no need to top up the radiator. Last year the radiator cap needed replacing, (it had had to be towed as it overheated).
It runs like a dream and my only real complaint is it is a bit thirsty:- 10 L per 100km. As a woman, I need the security of an ultra reliable car and I'm cognisant of not over investing in what is, after all, an ageing vehicle.. Also, the newer vehicles have higher safety features.
I appreciate your advice.
Better the devil you know, but keeping saving some more coins for now. Your current car won't lose much more value as long as it runs.
A very valid point.
Thanks, PVA, why do you advise me to do this?
Just make sure its not a jazz with the cvt. They fail a lot
Thanks. I heard they were unpopular.
97 pulsar, drive it until it dies. Only 133,000 kms - its got another 5-10 years.
Keep the pulsar
Suzuki Baleno
Lemons
I've an in-law who has a sixteen year old Baleno, done 160k kms., didn't know they had a bad reputation. Thanks for the advice. There's always one which disproves the rule!
When (car savvy) people refer to cars as "Lemons" it doesnt mean all the Suzuki Baleno's across the world will fail at 50Kms and break down and smoke.
It just means generally, they're not a well-rounded car worth investment.
Thanks, Frostman, understood.
definetly keep it…
The consensus does seem to lean in that direction, thanks for your input.
Had a 2000 model Pulsar flogged the hell out of it and only sold it because the kids were getting too big.Only odd thing I replaced besides tyres the usual stuff was a coolant overflow bottle. Pretty darn good seeing I had it for 7 years.
Fraz1. That's impressive!
unless there is something wrong with your current car you should keep it.
You've just spent $2k on your current car, and there is no way of knowing that won't be the case with a new car in the next couple of years.